Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe
This recipe for Delicious Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce features tender, marinated chicken thighs or breasts grilled to perfection and served wrapped in pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic tahini sauce. The marinade combines yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices for an authentic and flavorful experience. Perfect for a casual meal or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread or wraps
- Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
- 1/4 cup tahini (optional, for garlic sauce)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight will enhance the flavors significantly.
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: Heat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Then slice the chicken into thin strips suitable for wrapping.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix tahini with any leftover marinade or plain yogurt, adding a little lemon juice to adjust the consistency and create a creamy garlic sauce.
- Assemble the Shawarma: Serve the sliced chicken in pita bread or wraps along with fresh vegetables. Drizzle generously with the garlic tahini sauce and garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer if possible to deepen the flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- Serve as a DIY wrap station for interactive and customizable dining.
- Adjust garlic and spices to personal taste preferences.
- The garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Keywords: chicken shawarma, grilled chicken, Middle Eastern recipe, garlic sauce, tahini, pita wraps
